Find more information here. Differin is available over-the-counter ( OTC ). Because of this, it may not be recommended first if your goal is to reduce the visibility of wrinkles, creases or pigmented spots.Â. Tretinoin cream vs retinol. Click through to find out more about Tetralysal uses, the side effects of Tetralysal and what our patients thought of the product in our Tetralysal review section. See website for full details and important safety information. This usually lasts for the first few weeks of use, and can be treated using moisturizer, sunscreen and other skincare products.Â, Overall, tretinoin has become something of an “industry standard” retinoid for good reason — it’s affordable, effective and safe. It's also known for requiring a purge period, meaning it will often make your acne worse before it starts getting better. It works by normalizing keratinization , reducing inflammation and inhibiting microcomedone formation . Tetralysal is the most common oral acne antibiotic to combine with Differin. If you have mild or moderate acne, both tretinoin and adapalene are likely to produce a lasting, significant improvement if used consistently. adapalene vs tretinoin. This drug has risks. Cookie Policy. We'll help you find the right choice for your unique skin! Adapalene vs tretinoin acne. Renova (Tretinoin) isn't a cure for fine lines and wrinkles, but it's clinically proven to improve them. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Studies of the two drugs also show that tretinoin typically produces slightly higher levels of skin irritation than adapalene. If you are interested in a prescription product, Hims will assist in setting up a visit for you with an independent physician who will evaluate whether or not you are an appropriate candidate for the prescription product and if appropriate, may write you a prescription for the product which you can fill at the pharmacy of your choice. Furthermore, photodegradation of the molecule is less of a concern in comparison to tretinoin and tazarotene . The retinoid family is an umbrella term that includes retinols and other vitamin A expressions, though the retinol term has come to refer to over-the-counter forms of … Tazorac or Tazret is a form of vitamin A called tazarotene at 0.1% or tazarotene at 0.05%. No systemic side effects were seen. 1998. Tretinoin and adapalene are both highly effective at treating acne. It's prescribed generically, under various branded names, and as the active ingredient in medicines including Treclin , and is used across the world to treat various conditions. Accordingly, numerous clinical trials have compared adapalene and tretinoin in the management of acne vulgaris and concluded that tretinoin 0.05% gel exhibits a greater anti-acne efficacy than adapalene 0.1% gel, but has higher skin irritation potential. Adapalene is also available over the counter (in a 0.1% formulation versus the 0.3% prescription version). Side effects of Retin-A and Differin that are similar include skin warmth, stinging, tingling, irritation, redness, dryness, itching, burning where the medicine is applied. Most tretinoin users start by using a cream or gel with a low to moderate concentration and adjust their tretinoin dosage based on their results and side effects.Â. Its common side effects include redness of the skin to an increase in sensitivity to sunlight. In general, irritation was mild, but was both more common and more severe in the tretinoin group vs. the adapalene group. Dr Don Grant is a GP with over 30 years experience and is the Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy. Tretinoin may break down when used in combination with benzoyl peroxide (for those with acne) and adapalene (a synthetic retinoid). As soon as I moved up to 0.05% Tret the purge and peeling started. If you can't find what you are However, it’s best to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to figure out what’s best for you. Adapalene can also produce itching and redness — potential side effects that it shares with other topical retinoids. This means that if you have severe or persistent acne, you may get better results from tretinoin than by using a .1 percent, over-the-counter form of adapalene. tretinoin, Differin cream) is the cosmetically elegant formulation which can result in significantly increased compliance, less risk of … Adapalene is synthesized in the laboratory using various chemicals including naphthoic acid. Tretinoin. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. In addition to Treclin, some good alternatives are Epiduo and Retin-A. Adapalene and tretinoin are chemical compounds typically used to relieve acne. Tretinoin is a proven, well established drug that’s been in use for decades. Differin, available as a cream or a gel, is a 0.1% formulation of adapalene prescribed for acne sufferers. Differin (adapalene) is commonly used for treating acne, but, it can cause skin irritation. The Independent Pharmacy is registered with the CQC (1-1135933317), Unlimited visits. Compare Differin vs. Renova Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more. There are some big differences between the two products, namely the way they are formulated and deliver the active ingredient to the skin. Unlike retinols, Retin-A is a prescription-only medication. In most cases of acne, Differin is the smart option to try as your first prescription, but it’s best to check with our medical team first so we can fully review your symptoms. On paper, both drugs can look almost exactly the same, with similar benefits and potential side effects.Â. We use website cookies to ensure that you receive the best experience. Despite both drugs being retinoids, only tretinoin has an established record of working as an anti-aging treatment, with countless studies showing a reduction in wrinkles, skin discoloration and other signs of photoaging over the long term.Â, Adapalene, on the other hand, is not as well-studied as an anti-aging treatment and is usually not prescribed frequently as tretinoin to treat the signs of aging. Connect by text or video with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time is less than 1 minute! Read more information about this treatment in our 'What is Treclin?' Tretinoin in Retin-A stops the cells from sticking together and increases the mitotic cell division of the cells of the skin. A comparison of Differin and Tretinoin, both Retinoids, and which one is best for Acne, Ageing, etc. It is not intended for customer support. Adaferin or Differin contains adapalene, a derivative of naphthoic acid. Get to clear skin with the Clear90 app. The biggest difference that comes to mind for me between the two is that adapalene doesn’t have studies showing the anti-aging properties, IF there even are any. Tretinoin is much older than adapalene, coming from the first generation of retinoids and being patented in 1957 before receiving medical approval in 1962. Please ensure you always read the information leaflets supplied with any medicinal products.For more information Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world. Adapalene in Differin not only controls cell development, but also has an impact on keratin formation and inflammation. Approved by the FDA in 1996, adapalene is a relatively new, third-generation retinoid that’s sold as both a prescription medicine and in a lower concentration as an over-the-counter gel for acne prevention and treatment. Here's how they differ: Which is best all comes down to the severity and nature of your acne symptoms - we can assess your case and guide you towards the most suitable treatment. Because of this, if you have sensitive skin that gets irritated, itchy or uncomfortable easily, you may be better suited for the less irritating nature of adapalene over tretinoin. Adapalene: If you’re struggling with acne, this retinoid is a good choice. Simply press 's' on your keyboard and our quick search tool will appear. (Tretinoin is also the key ingredient in a number of other brand name retinoids, such as ReFissa and Renova.) Long term, both drugs are effective and safe. Why did I switch to tretinoin? There are other topical retinoids — tretinoin and tazarotene — used to treat acne, but adapalene is the only one available over the counter. © 2020 ABSM Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved. 08676338). Blog » Retin-A VS Retin-A MICRO ... Adaferin is a form of tretinoin called adapalene at 0.1%. That's why we've created this page, comparing various common acne treatments to give you the information you need. This usually resolves itself after a few weeks of consistent use, not unlike the tretinoin “purge” period. Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. On the whole, studies comparing tretinoin and adapalene typically find that tretinoin is slightly more effective as an acne treatment. see our policies and terms and conditions at the bottom of every page. If your first treatment doesn’t prove effective over a 12-week period, we’ll use that information to find something that will work for you. If you're happy and would like to carry on browsing click 'Accept', or find out more about our [8] There are newer stabilized formulations of tretinoin that may not break down when used together with benzoyl peroxide. It's actually the first retinoid to be approved for over-the-counter sale in the US, though it still requires a prescription in the UK. If you can't find what you are looking for, please contact our support team on 0333 2200 519. It works quickly and well, with studies showing reductions in acne lesions, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (dark spots) for some people in as few as three months of use.Â, Beyond the “purge” and mild side effects, the major disadvantages of tretinoin are its effects on your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.Â, When using tretinoin it is recommended that you avoid excessive sunlight and always use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15+. *all photos are models and not actual patients. The original intent of retinoids was actually used to treat … Tazorac medication. Tretinoin also has a variety of uncommon side effects that range from skin discoloration to inflammation and even blisters.Â. In the same review linked above, researchers found that tretinoin has a “higher skin irritation potential” when used as a long-term acne prevention treatment. Adapalene is one of the newest generation of retinoids on the market along with tazarotene. Retinoid, Retinol and Adapalene — Adapalene is found at a concentration of 0.1% or 0.3% in Differin Gel. The former is the basis of Differin, while the latter is synonymous with Retin-A. Today I answer your questions on why I stopped using differin gel. Unlike the retinoid tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene has also been shown to retain its efficacy when applied at the same time as benzoyl peroxide due to its more stable chemical structure. Skip to: full site navigation. Long-term studies of tretinoin show similar results, with a low rate of side effects, most of which occur during the first few weeks of treatment and improve over time.Â. Did you know you can search from anywhere on the site? Why have you … Adapalene is a newer drug that’s slightly less effective at treating acne than tretinoin. In 2016, 85 percent of the people participating … {{{ result._highlightResult.name.value }}}, {{{ condition._highlightResult.name.value }}}, adapalene is less likely to cause further irritation, but tretinoin is more potent, https://www.practiceupdate.com/content/azelaic-acid-vs-adapalene-in-treatment-of-female-adult-acne/19574, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25399481, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.285.pdf, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.920.pdf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20488582, Charity & Corporate Social Responsibility. While Differin is an excellent all-around acne treatment, it might struggle to have an impact on more severe cases. In the United States, it’s sold as a prescription medicine, meaning you’ll need to speak to a healthcare professional before you can buy it from a pharmacy.Â, As an acne and anti-aging treatment, tretinoin is typically sold as a topical cream or gel. Many adapalene users notice a mild stinging or burning to the skin during this period. This article reviews the pharmacology of adapalene, including its retinoid receptor binding profile, antiproliferative effects, cell differentiation modulation, … All information that appears on this website is intended for information purposes only and Because Treclin already contains an antibiotic, it should not be used alongside any other treatments. Adapalene is a more stable compound that does not break down. It’s scientifically proven to reduce acne, fight the signs of aging and improve a variety of factors related to skin health. Menu. First, adapalene can inhibit keratinocyte differentiation, making it helpful for decreasing microcomedone formations, treating inflammation and exfoliating mature comedones. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. To make things easier here’s a brief summary of popular treatments you can use: Ultimately, the treatment you should use for your acne will depend not only on the severity and nature of your symptoms but also on how you react to different treatments. In a review of tretinoin and adapalene, researchers found that tretinoin .05 percent gel “exhibits a greater anti-acne efficacy” than adapalene 0.1 percent gel. Aklief (trifarotene) Cream and Differin Gel are retinoids indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.. Differin Gel is available over-the-counter ().. Side effects of Aklief Cream and Differin Gel that are similar include application site reactions (such as irritation, itching, pain, redness, dryness, stinging/burning, discoloration, rash, swelling, and lesions) and worsening of acne. 19 years experience Pediatrics. More than 70% of patients in both groups had complete clearance or marked improvement. Alternatively you can view a list of all of our treatments and treated conditions. In clinical studies, adapalene has shown superior tolerability to other topical prescription retinoids, meaning Differin is gentler on your skin, while still effective. Though it's not yet understood exactly how these treatments reduce acne symptoms, testing has suggested a fairly simple account of how they differ: adapalene is less likely to cause further irritation, but tretinoin is more potent. Proactiv vs. Unblemish: What Works Best for Acne? While tretinoin and adapalene have numerous similarities when it comes to treating acne, the two drugs are very different as anti-aging treatments. It's just that adapalene 0.1 tends to be better tolerated because it's a 3rd generation retinoid. “Adapalene is a newer variant of a retinoid in the least irritating category,” he explained. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Tretinoin and adapalene both offer a range of benefits. It's typically used to treat both inflammatory acne and comedonal breakouts. There’s a staggering amount of skincare products designed to help clear the skin off acne, all with varying results. Tretinoin creams and gels can degrade quickly in sunlight, do not use it at the same time as benzoyl peroxide, A 52-week study of adapalene 0.3 percent gel, CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jamie Grill / Getty Images. As with tretinoin and other topical retinoids, adapalene has several potential side effects. Studies show that both drugs produce a significant reduction in acne lesions over the long term.Â. skin, sweat glands).   The secret in Differin Gel (as compared with other retinoid formulations i.e. One (tretinoin) is a prescription-only medication with a usage history covering over half a century.Â, The other (Adapalene) is a newer, third-generation retinoid that’s available both as prescription medication and, as of 2016, as an over-the-counter treatment.Â, Because tretinoin and adapalene both belong to the same class of medications and offer similar benefits, choosing the right retinoid for your needs isn’t always an easy process. Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but only adapalene is FDA-approved to treat acne. Are you interested in using tretinoin to prevent acne and reverse the signs of aging? You will also need to use tretinoin daily for several months to see results.Â, Another major disadvantage of tretinoin is that, from a chemical perspective, it’s quite a fragile substance. Simple said they all are just Vitamin A! Is Differin Gel an anti-aging secret? There’s no shortage of acne treatments on the market, and we know it can be overwhelming to look at all the brand names and try to figure out what they actually mean. Tretinoin (Retin-A, generic), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin) are prescription retinoids. And while the side effects of tretinoin can be annoying, the good news is that they typically subside within one to two weeks when managed properly, as your body becomes acclimated to the medication. Adapalene vs tretinoin. COVID-19: Treatments are being dispatched as usual. Used through the 1960s to treat a variety of skin disorders, tretinoin was first discovered as a potential treatment for acne in 1969, and in 1971 became the first retinoid approved by the FDA to help treat acne vulgaris. Unlike tretinoin, adapalene does not bind to proteins within the cell. Tretinoin can take several months before delivering noticeable results, so it’s important to understand it’s a process that takes time.Â, Topical tretinoin comes in several different strengths, ranging from .01 percent to .1 percent tretinoin. guide. Irritation, itching, scaling, pain, dryness, skin discolouration or abnormal redness at the site of application. Retin-A ( tretinoin) Cream and Gel and Differin ( adapalene) are retinoids (a form of vitamin A) used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Our guides to using tretinoin for acne prevention and for anti-aging cover the two most popular uses of this topical retinoid. Below, we’ve compared tretinoin and adapalene as acne and anti-aging treatments, looking at everything from the scientific study data for each treatment to their potential side effects, safety, cost and other factors. Restrictions apply. Though it's also aimed at moderate acne, it's certainly a stronger treatment than Differin. Tretinoin creams and gels can degrade quickly in sunlight.Â, Because of this fragility, it is recommended that you apply tretinoin cream at bedtime and do not use it at the same time as benzoyl peroxide.Â, All in all, tretinoin is an effective, safe medication that produces good results with the potential for few minor common side effects for users.Â. Both drugs take a few weeks to several months to start showing benefits, and both can cause a temporary “purge” period in which your skin looks worse before it looks better.Â. In fact, one study even notes specifically that, “the most noteworthy, but unexpected observation” made by researchers was how quickly the skin of the participants acclimated to tretinoin’s side effects, which occurred in the first two weeks of treatment. We'll start by looking at adapalene and tretinoin, two of the most popular acne medicines, then run through numerous gels, creams and solutions on the market to see their advantages and disadvantages. In one study, between 69 percent and 74 percent of patients given adapalene experienced “dramatic reductions” in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. Treclin, however, is a medicinal gel containing two active ingredients: a 0.025% concentration of tretinoin, and a 1% concentration of clindamycin (a strong antibiotic). For most people, the best choice is to talk to your healthcare provider about the two medications and work together to choose the best option for your specific needs. I’m still in the purge phase so I’m waiting for the benefits to kick in. 5 Cunliffe W GPhC (1120908) Get the free app for Doctors. Important: This email goes to a third party - never send personal, medical, or health information to this address. That said, the term retinoid doesn’t refer to just one product but a class of vitamin A–derived actives, including the ingredients adapalene and tretinoin. should be used to supplement, not replace, your relationship with your local healthcare professionals. Myth: Young people can’t use retinoids. Like tretinoin, side effects from adapalene are fairly uncommon and usually occur in the first few weeks of treatment. However, it has several characteristics that make it quite a unique medication when compared to tretinoin. Regulating epithelial tissue (e.g. 025% gel in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. In the study linked above, both medications showed an effective total decrease in acne lesions of 69 percent to 74 percent over the course of eight weeks. Tazorac moisturizer. “This is a newer generation of synthetic retinoid that was developed to improve skin and acne,” says Dr. Nazarian. Talk to a doctor now. Here's the important takeaway: Treclin is more expensive, but it is stronger than Differin and has antibiotic properties. The most common is an increase in skin sensitivity and dryness, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Adapalene, a derivative of napthoic acid, possesses similar biological properties of tretinoin, but has higher lipophilicity and increased photostability (i.e., stability in light). Did differin stop working for my acne? Because of this, it isn't always the best option. As with most retinoids, tretinoin can trigger what’s called the tretinoin “purge” — a short period in which acne gets worse before it gets better. These two acne treatments are quite similar, so we have highlighted their main differences in the table below. Other retinoids are undergoing clinical trials. It is similar to many other retinoid substances, but it is a synthetically manufactured substance. During this period, your skin can feel more sensitive than normal. Tretinoin is a well-researched drug, with comprehensive studies covering everything from its effectiveness as an acne and anti-aging treatment to its potential side effects, long-term benefits and mechanism of action. Proactiv vs. Murad: What Works Faster for Acne? A 52-week study of adapalene 0.3 percent gel (the higher, prescription-only concentration of topical adapalene) found that only 21 percent of users experienced side effects from the treatment, of which the most common were dry skin, scaling and skin discomfort. Our Tretinoin 101 guide, linked below, lists many of these studies, with plenty of data on how and why tretinoin works as an acne and anti-aging medication.Â, On the whole, tretinoin is a safe and effective drug. Adapalene offers comparable efficacy to tretinoin, but appears to be less likely to cause irritation, according to some studies.Â, Adapalene is available in several different strengths. Retin-A's active ingredient, tretinoin, is also used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the complexion, and fade hyperpigmentation (dark marks left by acne breakouts or sun damage). A 27-year-old female asked: if i don't have acne, but want to use a retinoid for anti-aging properties, which do you recommend? Of … Head-to-Head. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC. Currently, the stronger .03 percent gel is only available with a prescription. Unlike tretinoin, which is exclusively a prescription medicine, the lower-strength 0.1 percent forms of topical adapalene are available as over-the-counter drugs in most pharmacies in the United States. Everyone has a different skin type and acne can have multiple causes - a treatment that works perfectly for one person might be less effective or cause greater irritation in another. Get the free app for Members. That's what my doctor told me too. Tretinoin vs. Adapalene Scientists have performed several studies comparing the effectiveness of tretinoin to that of adapalene. This approach can help you get the best results while limiting your risk of experiencing side effects from topical skin medication. Differin and Retin-A perform the same basic … In the United States, it’s usually sold under the brand name Differin® and comes in four different forms: lotion (0.1 percent), cream (0.1 percent), solution (0.1 percent) and gel (0.3 percent).Â. Despite the incredibly similar names, Retin-A and Retin-A Micro aren't exactly alike. The researchers concluded that adapalene 0.3 percent gel was “safe and effective in the long-term” [sic.]